parkersburg squadron - apr 2009

8/2/2019 Parkersburg Squadron - Apr 2009

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The Primary Missions of Civil Air Patrol “Serving the US, WV and the Mid-Ohio Valley for over 60 Years”

Emergency Services

Cadet Programs

Aerospace Education

April, 2009 Issue 8 www.pkbcap.comLTCLTCLTCLTCOL OL OL OL RON HARMONRON HARMONRON HARMONRON HARMON---- SQ SQ SQ SQDDDDN. N. N. N. COMMANDER COMMANDER COMMANDER COMMANDER

Is a senior member sitting on a rank

forever...any sort of a problem?

The answer to this question is “No”. It’s a unit member's

choice. No one has been denied Professional Development, theysimply do not want to do it or see no use for it as seen from theperspective of what they want to do.

Just as teachers in a public school “open doors" that studentschose not to enter. Thus, there are Civil Air Patrol (CAP) officersthat remain at 1st Lt or Captain because they feel that what theyare doing (squadron logistics officer, Cadet person, localCOMMO) is where their focus is, not attending SquadronLeadership School (SLS), or Corporate Learning Course (CLC) orRegion Staff College (RSC). If a member is doing their jobcompetently and happily, why bring up Professional

Development?

I have heard many arguments about this. I think Capt is a betterholding point than 1st Lt, although 1st Lt for life is far better than2d Lt for life, since the 1st Lt has at least obtained some level of skill training. Capt shows the member has some knowledge of CAP and how to work in the system (excluding insta-Capt's).Also, to many non-CAP, non-military types, either flavor of Lt isstill in training and hasn't proven themselves as a leader yet.

If a 1st Lt for life is actively contributing to the unit, great. I haveno problem with that. I do understand that not everyone can getweekends off to attend a SLS. I do not really think Air ForceInstitute for Advanced Distributed Learning (AFIADL) 13correspondence course should be a stumbling block, since thecourse is fairly easy and study guides (unofficial) are readilyavailable.

CAP grades are designed to show some sort of progress (or statusthereof) in the Professional Development program. Thus, whenyou see a Major with wings, it’s a pilot who can be sought out foraviation expertise or a Lt Col with many ribbons that show thisperson knows CAP, its policies and its missions.

This Issue Senior Profi

None Submitted.

P

a r k e r

s b u r g

C i v i l A i r P a t r o l



I also see the 1st Lt that works for the squadron, steers clear of CAP politics, and is a functional officer in the Squadron as thefoundation of CAP. A person committed to the service of theUNIT than to personal messages.

CAP is a unique 'quasi-military' organization. Rank is notcompetitive, nor does it guarantee a leadership position.

Sure, CAP oak leaves and 5 bucks will get you a cup of coffee,but if anything it demonstrates that you cared enough to learn theprogram, and no one can take that from you.

In the process of getting our Garber or Wilson, some of us willcomplete Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) and even AirWar College (AWC): and in CAP or out, that's anaccomplishment in itself in any venue.

In CAP, if you pay your (monetary) dues, take an on line courseand maintain a pulse for six months, and bippity-boppity boo,you're a lieutenant. So if somewhere along the line, a CAPmember decides he or she it not going to play anymore becauseheaven-forbid we ask them to learn something new, then so be it,

I see it as just the normal ebbs and flows and attrition of theorganization.

Remember that courses like ICS 300/400 are not intended foryour rank-in-file member, but for those in Emergency Services(ES) Leadership positions who will likely interface with theircounterparts in other organizations who actually do ES for aliving (and who incidentally had to take those very same courses).If a person is too offended to step up and take a couple of weekend courses, they probably don't need to be in control of dispatching aircraft, vehicles and people in a concerted effort tosave lives.

And yes, even doctors go back to school attending workshops andseminars that keep them up-to-date on the latest medicalbreakthroughs and techniques. Most do so with the same zeal andenthusiasm that they had during their eight years in college, twoyears in internship, and a couple of more in residency to getwhere they are.

True professionals never stop 'paying their dues' (and I'm nottalking about money.)

We are all volunteers in CAP, but a committed volunteer who

takes on responsibility needs to continually improve his or herskill-set in the face of a changing environment and not gripe aboutit, otherwise we become quintessential bumbling amateurs.

Understand that sometimes a member’s record can get overlookedor the review is delayed. So as a member you should keep a tabon your own progress.

Even if not for the rank, take advantage of the professionaleducation opportunities in CAP, and add value to yourself, both asa CAP member, and personally.*This article represents the opinion of the author and not the Civil

Air Patrol.



FYI

Aircrew

We put 17.6 hours on N9378X it in March. Can we make it 20 hrs

or more in April?

CAP continues to have a significant number of avoidable aircraftground handling incidents. In order to provide the highest level of safety and to raise awareness of what is needed to minimize theseincidents, CAP will now require all members who regularly come incontact with aircraft or supervise air operations to view a 13 minuteaircraft ground handling training video and take a short test. Training

for members who are currently qualified in the specialties listed inparagraph 3 below must be completed by 30 Sep 09.

Trainees will be expected to complete this training as part of theadvanced training requirements on specialtyqualification training records for the specificES specialties listed in paragraph 3 below.This will allow these members to continueserving as supervised trainees until theycomplete this task, but we encourage allpersonnel to review these materials as soon aspossible. This training is available on eServices under the CAP

UtilitiesCAP Multimedia application. Members who complete thetraining online will have it automatically recorded in OperationsQualifications. A downloadable version is also available oneServices so units can conduct the training during squadronmeetings. Commanders, safety officers, operations officers, andemergency services officers who hold these duty positions ineServices will automatically receive permissions so they are able torecord group training in Operations Qualifications just like they cando for other required training. Unit reports for completion of thistraining are also available in Operations Qualifications.

Regulation Spotlight

CAP REGULATION 62-1 4 JUNE 2008

Safety CIVIL AIR PATROL SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES AND

PROCEDURES This regulation establishes the requirements for an effective safetyprogram within the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). This regulation guides

CAP components in implementing effective safety programs.http://members.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/R062_001_85D0

CB3FE48A5.pdf

Commanders Corne

Thought to Ponder?If you were arrested for being ACTIVE CAP member, wou

there be enough evidence toconvict you?



Cadet Corner

Back In The Air!Congratulation to C/Lt.Col Jared Gragan for receiving the 2009Aerospace Leadership Scholarship by The Spaatz Association,Inc. The scholarship is intended to be used primarily to bring acadet from solo to his/her private pilot's license. A limited amountof the scholarship may also be used to attend a CAP leadership

activity, or to serve in a leadership position at a suitable CAPactivity. The scholarship must be used within one year of awarding and while the winner is still an active cadet in goodstanding.

The photo to the left

is then C/Maj.

Gragan having his

shirt tail cut by LtCol

Harmon. The

traditional removal

of a new pilot's shirt

tail is a sign of the

instructor's new

confidence in his

student.

In the days of tandem trainers, the instructor would tug at the

student’s shirt tail whenever he was getting himself into trouble.

After the first solo, the new pilot is competent in the air does not

need such a safety device.

Civil Air Patrol Cadets from

the Parkersburg CompositeSquadron are shown on therear boarding ramp of an ExAir Force One aircraft. Cadetsenjoyed the day at The US AirForce Museum, WrightPatterson Field, Dayton, OH.Presidential aircraft are parkedin an especially dedicatedhangar to the rear of themuseum proper. A group of cadets will take the trip every

two years or so. Most of theaircraft and space activityvehicles are rearranged everytwo years, and so makes aninteresting trip for those who

have made the trip before. A number of CAP Squadrons within the areahave had cadets visit the museum. The museum will provide a dayswalking for the fittest. The museum also affords those interested towatch Air Force and Navy Jets on "The Big Screen" for a smallcharge. A gift shop and large cafeteria are available for eats and gifts.Accompanying the cadets were LtCol Loew and 1Lt Gragan, bothmembers of The Parkersburg Squadron located at Gill Robb Wilson

Field, Parkersburg.

This Issue Cadet Profi

Name: Nick Malone

Rank: C/1st. Lt.

SQD Position: Cadet ExecutivOfficer

Bio: This Summer I plan onentering the West Virginia ArmNational Guard and becoming aWhiskey: Combat Medic. Afterboot camp and AIT I plan onattending WVU to get a degree Political Science. I look forwardcontinuing my cadet career whiin the Army National Guard. I omy successes in CAP and beyonto my parents and Mr. and Mrs.Gragan, Lt. Col’s Lowe, Pollenand last but not least Harmon angreat many others. To these peoI will be evermore grateful. Theguidance and leadership willforever be a bright spot in theforefront of my mind.

Favorite Quote: “I am not a heI am only a regular man, presenwith the opportunity to dosomething significant, and had God given ability to do it.”



UP Coming Events

April 17-19 Wing-Wide SAREX at Petersburg W99

May 16-17 Graded SAR at Clarksburg

June WV/Delaware Joint SAREX at Petersburg(overnight camping available)

July 11- 18 Cadet Summer Encampment.

August Cadet Glider Encampment at Petersburg(weeklong glider flying course w/camping at theairport. There may be some costs involved. Newactivity dependent upon interest and availability of instructors.)

August 22-23 SAR Management Course at the Mine Academy inBeckley

____________________________________________________________

Test Schedule

Tests for Tuesday, April 21, 2009 LeadershipChapter 1- Cadet EbertChapter 2- Cadet Lowther, WetzelChapter 3- Cadet Delancy, LowtherChapter 4- Cadet Benson (membership must be renewed prior to testing)Chapter 6- Cadet Huck

Chapter 8- Cadet Grant, D. BennettAerospaceModule 1- Cadets Mitchell, Hill, WetzelModule 2- Cadet StoneModule 3- Cadet SmithModule 6- Cadets S. Bennett, R ChildersJourney of Flight 1 – Cadet GrantMilestone TestsWright Brothers- Cadet robertsEarhart- Cadet Malone

Cadet Childers must complete a speech/essayrequirement for the Armstrong Achievement. See1Lt K. Gragan for instructions.

The following Cadets need to pass the fitness testfor their current achievement: D. Bennett, S.

Bennett, Benson, Childers, DeLancey, Grant (alsoneed SDA), Hill, Huck, Lowther, Moellendick,Roberts, Smith, Stone

Questions, comments, or want to write an article and have it posted on

this newsletter? Just send an email to [email protected].

Missed and issue? Go to www.pkbcap.com and press calendar.

Safety CornerPerhaps the biggest cause of florelated deaths and injuries is lacpublic understanding of the sevand danger involved in floods aflash floods. The following tipshelp protect you during floodevents:

Many people are killed while trto drive or walk on roads andbridges that are covered by wateEven though the water might loonly inches deep, it could be mudeeper and with very strongcurrents. It only takes two feet owater to carry away many cars; inches of swiftly moving (6 mphwater will sweep a person off hfeet.

Trucks, two-wheel as well as fowheel drive, and sports utility

vehicles also are susceptible tobeing swept away by high waterSuch vehicles often give motorifalse sense of security, believinvehicles are safe under anyconditions. (Large tires add to vehicle’s buoyancy, causing it tlose traction that much sooner.)This belief results in deaths oremergency rescues of motoristsvehicles either stuck in or swepaway by flood waters.

If you are approaching a flooderoadway, turn around and take aalternate route. Even thoughvehicles in front of you have pathrough the high water, you maynot be as lucky.

If your car stalls, abandon itimmediately and climb to higheground. Many deaths have resulfrom attempts to move stalledvehicles.

If you live in a low-lying area onear a creek, pay close attentionwater levels during heavy rainevents. Water levels rise rapidlyduring flash floods, often surprivictims. Heavy rainfall upstreamcan cause a river or stream to riquickly, even if it is not raining you. Be prepared to move quickto higher ground if water levelsbegin rising. Quickly respondinan evacuation order can save yolife.



Applications are now being accepted for the 2009

National Emergency Services Academy

(NESA) to be held at Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Indianafrom the 27th of June until the 11th of July 2009. There arecourses for all members interested in emergency services, and thisis a great opportunity for both new members as well asexperienced members to come train with hundreds of their peersfrom across the country.

Apply online at:http://www.mmsend3.com/ls.cfm?r=166014483&sid=6009022&m=676011&u=CivilAir&s=https://ntc.cap.af.mil/ops/nesa/ ordownload an offline application form from:http://www.mmsend3.com/ls.cfm?r=166014483&sid=6009023&m=676011&u=CivilAir&s=http://nesa.cap.gov/Documents/2009_NESA_Offline_Application_Form_-_Fillable.dot. Slots will befilled on a first come first served basis through the 17th of May2009 or until slots are filled, whichever comes first. Personnel areencouraged to apply soon to get into the course or courses theydesire. Some courses fill up faster than others and there are a fewthat are nearly full already. The following fifteen courses will beoffered this year at NESA:

National Ground Search And Rescue School (NGSAR)NGSAR Basic Course – 28 June to 4 July 2009NGSAR Basic Course – 5 to 11 July 2009NGSAR Advanced Course – 28 June to 4 July 2009NGSAR Advanced Course – 5 to 11 July 2009NGSAR First Responder Course – 4 to 11 July 2009NGSAR Ground Team Leader Course – 4 to 11 July 2009

Incident Command System School (ICSS)ICSS Basic Course – 28 June to 4 July 2009 – Includes ICS-300TrainingICSS Advanced Course – 5 to 11 July 2009 – Includes ICS-400TrainingICSS Mission Communications Course – 28 June to 4 July 2009 –New in 2009

Mission Aircrew SchoolMAS Basic Course (Mission Scanner & Airborne Photographer) –28 June to 4 July 2009

MAS Intermediate Course (Mission Pilot or Observer Track) – 27June to 4 July 2009MAS Intermediate Course (Mission Pilot or Observer Track) – 4to 11 July 2009MAS Advanced Course (Mission Pilot or Observer Track) – 4 to11 July 2009MAS ARCHER Course – 28 June to 4 July 2009MAS ARCHER Course – 5 to 11 July 2009

Additional pre-requisites and information about NESA and theabove courses can be found at:

http://www.mmsend3.com/ls.cfm?r=166014483&sid=6009024&m=676011&u=CivilAir&s=http://nesa cap gov/

The fee to attend NESA is $175 pcourse which includes, meals, lodgon site, printed training materials aaircraft and ground vehicle sortie con site. Participants are responsibfor their own transportation to andfrom NESA, though many personnare able to travel in corporate vehiand aircraft as they are needed on for training. We also know in thestough financial times that some pe

will have difficulty attending activlike this without assistance. TheNESA Alumni Association hasseveral scholarships available formembers in need of financialassistance. Scholarship applicatiomust be received by the 15th of M2009 to be considered, and membecan download a scholarshipapplication at: http://www.mmsend3.com/ls.cfm?r=114483&sid=6009025&m=676011&u

ilAir&s=http://nesa.cap.gov/Documen009_NESAAA_Scholarship_Applica

Form_-_Fillable.dot.

Staff members are also still neededStaff members are typically priorattendees who are qualified in the they want to support. We also brinon a few junior staff members eachyear to work under the supervisionother experienced staff. If you've the experience and are willing to g

some of your time to commit totraining fellow members, go aheadand apply. Staff members arerequired to pay a $45 fee to cover costs of basic supplies on site. Melodging on site, and training materare included. Staff activity dates vby assignment.

If you have any additional questioplease direct them to the NESA staat [email protected] or call 1-88211-1812 extension 323.

We look forward to seeing you at 2009 NESA!